Marian University: Well-Grounded Catholic Indianapolis University

Marian University in Indianapolis is a private, non-profit Catholic liberal arts college that has kept the Franciscan tenets as their foundation since it was established in 1851. At that time, the school’s home was in Oldenburg, Indiana, a small town between Indianapolis and Cincinnati. It was the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg who started the school and who still own it more than 150 years later.

Promotional video for Marian University in Indianapolis

At its inception, the university was called Saint Francis Normal School, and admitted only females for its two-year course programs, all of which were taught in German.

Merging with a junior university in 1935 resulted in a new name, Marian College Indianapolis, a revamping of their programs to become more comprehensive and coeducational, and a move to downtown Indianapolis. In July of 2009, Marian College transformed into Marian University.

Allison Mansion at Marian University

Counting full and part-time students, enrollment at Marian University hovers right around 1500. The school grants one master’s degree, 43 bachelor’s degrees and 14 associate’s degrees in some 34 majors and 38 minors. It also offers two programs with certification.

Concentrating on Indianapolis business, Indianapolis education and nursing, the university is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Beautiful wooden doors inside Allison Mansion at Marian University

In academics, Marian University offers several schools apart from their comprehensive liberal arts program. They are the School of Business, School of Education, School of Mathematics and Sciences and the School of Nursing. The university also offers adult education programs, degrees and certificates.

Marian is a residential university with three separate dormitories and apartments to assure a safe and rewarding life in the campus community. Scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs are available. The average class size is 17 students.

Rich woodwork inside Allison Mansion at Marian University

Marian University is comprised of these nine different divisions: business; education; history and social science; language, literature, and communication; natural and behavioral sciences; nursing; performing and visual arts; sports studies; theology and philosophy.

In athletics, Marian University’s cycling team is a standout. The school also offers several other NAIA teams courses for both women and men. Interestingly, this private catholic university offers courses in competitive cheerleading. Marian broadcasts school sporting events over Indianapolis radio.

Marian University is rooted in its faith and offers a center for Catholic stewardship, community, liturgical, campus and musical ministries, masses, and retreats. This excellent learning institution consistently ranks among the top 25 Indianapolis colleges and universities.

Fireplace inside Allison Mansion at Marian University